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''Australia has a long history of working with the United States to make a difference on these global challenges,'' Ms Gillard said.

''I look forward to continuing to do so with President Obama on behalf of the people we serve.''

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott also congratulated President Obama as well as the Senators, representatives and Governors who were elected.

"It was a hard fought contest worthy of one of the world's greatest democracies,'' Mr Abbott said in a statement.

"The US-Australia alliance is a bipartisan anchor in the relationship between our two countries. The United States is Australia's largest and most important ally and Australia can look forward to a continuation of the best possible relations with the United States."